A trusted air conditioner is one of the most important parts of your home comfort system, particularly when you live in Ames Over its life span, even the best air conditioner is going to break or malfunction.

The cost of repairs will depend on the size and severity of the problem. Let’s review some of the most common air conditioning repair services and the average estimated costs1 to repair them.

1. Air Filter

The air filter is a key component for any cooling system. It grabs dust and other debris, stopping it from circulating through your HVAC ductwork. Changing or cleaning the filter is quick and easy. Most of the time you can handle it without the help of a qualified HVAC technician.

Disposable filters are most common. Depending on the brand you use, it can be a few dollars for a flat filter or around $20 for a pleated filter. If you have a reusable filter, the only cost is the water and labor it takes to clean it.

For the most part, your filter should be changed every month to three months. If you don’t change yours frequently, your air conditioner will have to work longer to maintain the set temperature. This can increase your monthly cooling bills.

2. An Error with Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is how you communicate with your air conditioner. If something is faulty with the thermostat, you might think there’s a problem with the air conditioning itself. Sometimes fixing the issue is as basic as adjusting the settings.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, an HVAC technician from Haselhoff Air Solutions can help. The cost of replacing your thermostat will depend on the model you choose. Smart models provide additional features and could help you save money in the long run. Swapping out your thermostat starts around $75, depending on hardware and labor.

3. Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is a crucial part of your air conditioner because it moves heat out of your home. If it’s has sprung a leak costs may include both repairing the leak and replacing any lost refrigerant.

On average, replacing your supply of coolant will run between $100 to $350, but this number can be higher if your air conditioner is larger or uses R-22. Also known as Freon, R-22 is no longer in production due to its effect on the ozone layer. Only recycled quantities are used now, making it more expensive.

If your air conditioner uses R-22, has a leak or is getting older, your technician may recommend our air conditioning installation in Ames. We also serve nearby communities.

4. Electrical Issues

Electrical components contain the circuit board, as well as breakers and fuses. Damage or malfunctions can reach a large variety of air conditioning systems like the motor, compressor or AC contractor.

Most electrical components cost around $75–$290 to repair or replace. The circuit board is more important and replacing it can be between $125–$625. Your Haselhoff Air Solutions technician will review these parts across the diagnosis to see if they’re the reason other components can’t function normally.

5. Damage to Either the Evaporator or Condenser Coils

Most air conditioners have two coils. The evaporator coil contains the refrigerant and absorbs the heat from surrounding air. Replacing this component costs between $675–$1,300.

The condenser coil condenses the coolant into liquid before spreading the heat outdoors. Replacement costs are commonly around $581 or higher, depending on your particular air conditioner.

6. Drainage Issues

If your air conditioner is dealing with drainage problems, costs may include both water damage as well the repair or replacement of damaged parts. Affected components can include:

  • Drain pan, which collects, and drains condensed water. Replacement: $250–$575
  • Condensate drain tube, which drains the drain pan. Replacement: $100–$195.
  • The drain line, which may need to be flushed of mold, mildew or clogs. Service cost: $75–$250.

7. Ductwork Repair

Without your ventilation, cool air cannot move throughout your home. Cracks and leaks will need to be repaired to prevent your cooling bills from going up. Repairs most often cost between $300–$500. Installing new ductwork is more expensive but might offer greatly enhanced energy efficiency. This cost depends on the size of your home but usually runs several thousand dollars.

8. Emergency Support and Routine Maintenance

The other potential costs of a service call are dependent on your location and local demand. It’s generally between $70–$200, which takes care of travel and basic diagnostics. Other key aspects include labor and parts, which are usually flat rates. Labor can run between $70–$130 per hour.

Emergency services are almost always more expensive, but worth it to prevent interruptions to your comfort. An average emergency call may be around $315 for night, weekend or holiday visits.

Average air conditioning maintenance runs anywhere from $85 to $110. Signing up for a yearly maintenance plan is usually less expensive, with an average rigid cost of $150 for two visits. Our maintenance plan is an extraordinary value, because we can uncover and handle problems swiftly and inexpensively. This service could also lower your likelihood of malfunctions and breakdowns.

When Is Replacement Better than Repairing My Air Conditioner?

Our friendly, expert technicians will provide extensive information about your air conditioning. In many cases, providing info you’ve gathered beforehand will help us uncover the source of the problem.

Common signs you need air conditioning repairs include:

  • Unpleasant or loud noises. Listen for hissing, clanging or gurgling sounds.
  • Warm air or poor circulation. Electrical failure stops cooling systems from working, while an obstruction in your ductwork reduces airflow. This can also be caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Short cycling or inconsistent operation. Lots of starting and stopping adds extra strain on your air conditioner. This is often caused by a dirty air filter.
  • Higher utility bills. Damaged components or clogs force your air conditioner to work longer. Watch your monthly bills for sudden spikes.

If your repair bill exceeds $1,500, it may be a wiser option to request air conditioning installation instead. A new air conditioner is more energy efficient, which can save you money on cooling bills over its life span.

Your Haselhoff Air Solutions technician will help you figure out the right choice. Since 2011, we’ve been famous for our trustworthy, high-quality air conditioning repair in Ames and devotion to professional customer service. Schedule your appointment by calling us at 515-450-8739 today!

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1Average air conditioning repair costs are sourced from 2020 HomeGuide estimates, which are based off nationwide averages. Your exact cost may vary.